Rugby League: Paasi’s Return Inspires St Helens to Catalans Dragons Victory

St Helens head coach Paul Wellens praised the instant impact of Agnatius Paasi’s return, stating it provided the much-needed inspiration for his depleted squad to secure a vital 24-12 victory over Catalans Dragons.

Paasi, who featured off the interchange bench, made his first senior appearance since last July’s Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Leigh Leopards. The Tongan forward’s presence helped St Helens to their first win against the Dragons in over two years, having lost all five of their previous meetings.

Paasi’s Crucial Contribution

Despite playing only around a quarter-of-an-hour, Wellens highlighted Paasi’s strong carries, defensive solidity, and ruck speed as crucial factors in the team’s success. The coach emphasized the forward’s confidence and physicality, noting that his return had lifted the entire group.

“It is tough when you’re missing players, but when you have players returning from injury, it does give the group a lift,” Wellens said. “It gives them that little bit more energy, and it’s important that we continue to give people opportunities as well.”

St Helens Maintain Top Spot

The victory ensured St Helens’ spot at the top of the Super League table, level with rivals Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves. Wellens expressed his delight at Paasi’s return, praising the player’s hard work and resilience following a long and arduous recovery from a complex injury sustained last July.

“All the evidence suggests that he’s ready to go, and it’s great to have the big fella out there, particularly with where we’re at with our forwards at the moment,” Wellens concluded.

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